SEVERE STORM

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1929, Page 6

SEVERE STORM

DAMAGE THROUGHOUT CANTERBURY. FARMERS SUFFER LOSSES. CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 26. The worst storm experienced in Canterbury for years swept the province on Thursday night and early yesterday morning and caused widespread damage. Probably for the time of the year it. was the most severe storm that the province has ever experienced. It was reminiscent of wintry . conditions their worst.

While damage was done in the city and suburbs it is in the country districts that the storm had its worst effects. Reports vary, and, while it is too early to obtain a complete estimate, there is little doubt that very much damage ,ha.s been done to crops. In the high country, where snow has fallen, there will probably also be losses of stock, especially among newly shorn sheep. Ihe storm is doubly unfortunate, because prospects were bright for a good harvest in Canterbury this year. As a result of the had weather yields will lie reduced and weather damage will probali!v he apparent in many crops when they are harvested.

The low lying round Bexley was Hooded yesterday morning. many houses being invaded by water. The flooding was duo to the high tides and rough sea forcing the water over the retaining walls. Some residents were removed from their houses in carts and drays. Campers at Kairaki had a- similar experience, many having to leave their hods at an early hour yesterday morning in order to escape the Hood waters. Campers at Leitlilield and Am-berloy also had an exciting time.

The storm delayed shipping. The ferry steamer Maori from Wellington had a very rough trip and it was 1 p.m. before she reached Lyttletou. six hours late. To the majority of the passengers it was an unenviable experience. There were showers of rain during th<> ’ --. 'owards evening the sky n il iind :'d wind dropped, and conc"li is seei od Favourable for fine wroth t 10-<'"v. hate last night it was rep-rf 1 iha; Ho Hood waters at Bexley w v receding and that the majority of those who had to leave their homes had returned.